Fence-wire tension device



(No Model.)

J. L. BRAFPETT.

FENCE WIRE TENSION DEVICE.

No. 360,083. Patented Mar. 29, 1887.

Nv FEYERS. PhMo-Lilhngnpben Washington, 0,0.

Mrs TATES ATENT FFECEQ FENCE-WlRE TENSION DEVICE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 360,083, dated March 29,1887.

Application filed August 7, 1886. Serial No. 210,338.

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, J AMES L. BRAFFETT, a citizen of the United States, residing at New Paris, in the county of Preble and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Fence WVire Tension Devices; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawlugs, making a part of this specification, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon.

The present invention has relation to certain new and useful improvements in means for constructing wire picket-fences, and the object thereof is to provide a simple and practically-operating device for drawing taut the wire strands between which the pickets are held; and it consists in the details of construction, substantially as shown in the drawings, and hereinafter described and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 shows a perspective view of my improved wiretension device in position for use, the same being attached to a fence or other post, and the wire strandsbetween which the pickets B are held being shown as arranged in position to be drawn taut by the device. Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view on the line 1 2, Fig. 1.

The tension device consists ofa metal bracket, 0, which is fastened to the post A by set-serew c, or by any well-known means found most convenient. The bracket 0 is provided with bearing-grom'es d, through which the wire strands to I) pass, and extend over an anvil, D, formed on the bracket. The strands thence cross each other and pass over and under a tension-head, E, loosely connected to the inner end of a screw-rod, c. This screw-rod engages with the threads in a screw-threaded opening formed in alug,g, to which is fastened a notched plate, F, and the tension-head E has a shank, h, which extends through an elongated slot, 1', in the bracket 0, a key, k, passing through the shank, holding the head to the bracket. The strands a b, after passing around the head E, again cross each other and engage with the notches Z of the plate F. The tension-head E has a convex bearing surface for the strands, as shown at m, as does also the anvil D. The notched regulating bar or plate F holds the wires in a proper position for successfully (X0 model.)

drawing them taut, and the tension-screw c, by turning it in the proper direction, will draw the head E in a direction away from the post A,to bring the proper strain on the wire strands to take up any sagging thereof, the shank 7b and elongated slot 2' guiding the head in its movement.

It will be seen that a very simple and practical device is herein provided for constructing wire and picket fences, by which means the wire may be fed out for use under proper tension as the strands are taken up in the process of twisting. The strands are passed over the anvil D, and then obliquely across and over the head E and through the notches of the regulating plate or bar F. The angles thus produced will hold the strands taut, and feed ing them through only so fast as required will maintain at all times an even, regular, and firm tension without regard to the length of the wire consumed in twisting. 13y loosely connecting the tension-head E to the end of the screw 6, or swiveling it, as preferred, through the medium of the screw, the angle of the wire strands may be lengthened or shortened to produce a greater or less degree of tension, as may be.desired. One of these devices is used for each set of wires or strands in the construction of the fence, and they may be attached to one of the fixed posts to which the fence is to be fastened; or, preferably, any required number of them may be attached to an independent bar of wood or metal, which is then firmly fastened by chains, rods, or other means to a stake or other fixed object.

The operation of the device as either a wire drawing or tension device depends entirely upon the position of the wires with respect to the plate F. For instance, it said wires occopy the upper and lower notches the cross of the wires is much nearer the block E, and hence offers sufficient resistance to said block to be stretched or strained by the same. If, on the other hand,the wires occupy the intermediate notches, the cross of the wires is not so near the block,which can then only operate as a tension device by virtue of its wedged position between the wires.

hen the device is used as a stretcher, the hold of the head E on the wires is produced by bending the wires at a sharp angle-i. (2., an angle approaching a right angle over the shoula shank extending through the slot of the bracket to form a guide therefor, substantially as and for the purpose set forth. 2. In a wire-tension device, the combination, with a slotted bracket having bearinggrooves for the wire strands, an anvil, and a notched regulating plate or bar, of a screw-rod having loosely connected to its end a tensionhead provided with a shank extending through 2c the slot of the bracket, substantially as and for the purpose described.

In testimony that I claim the above I have hereunto subscribed my name in the presence of two witnesses.

J. L. BRAFFETT.

W'itnesses:

J. T. 00X, JOHN MILLs. 

